Advice & support

Not only are there are many different signs of labor, each of the symptoms may be experienced differently from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy.

Some early signs that labor may be starting soon include the "nesting instinct" or a sudden burst of energy. Some women, especially first-time moms, notice that the baby has "dropped," that is, his or her head has become engaged in your pelvis and is noticeably lower. You may feel you have more room to breathe and feel hungrier. Find out what a childbirth educator says about other signs of labor right here!

Get ready for labor! Meet other expectant moms on the Pregnancy & Baby message boards.

Fear not!

While breastfeeding may be best for baby (and pretty darn good for mom, too, knocking off pregnancy weight and preventing diseases) many moms are reluctant, even afraid to breastfeed. Why? The reasons women can be intimidated by breastfeeding are as varied as, well, women.

Any of these concerns sound familiar? Many, many women have a pain-free nursing experience. Others have a bumpier start. We've all heard horror stories about how much breastfeeding can hurt. But it doesn't have to be that way. This is worth repeating. Breastfeeding does not need to be painful. With a correct latch-on and positioning of baby, discomfort should truly be minimal and ease after a few days. Click here to read more!

Making memories

Belly masking (or casting) is a wonderful art form celebrating the amazing transformation of a woman's body during pregnancy. It is usually done two to three weeks before a woman's due date, but can also be used to capture the changes during pregnancy as well. It is a remarkably simple and inexpensive project, although it's just a little messy!

Find out more about this pregnancy art rapidly gaining in popularity in this article.

Noted & quoted

"He smiles and clasps his tiny hand,with sunbeams o'er him gleaming -A world of baby fairylandHe visits while he's dreaming.-- Joseph Ashby-Sterry, King of the Cradle

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